The US Geological Survey and Proteus Wildlife Research Consultants are offering a free introductory workshop, which is open to all who are interested.

The presence or absence of a species across a set of landscape units is a fundamental concept used widely in ecology (e.g., species range or distribution, epidemiology, habitat modeling, resource selection probability functions, as a monitoring metric, metapopulation studies, biodiversity and species co-occurrence). An important sampling issue, however, is that a species may not always be detected when present at a landscape unit. This will result in “false absences” causing parameter estimates to be biased if unaccounted for, possibly leading to misleading results and conclusions, even with moderate levels of imperfect detection.

This introductory workshop will cover many of the latest methods for modeling patterns and dynamics of species occurrence in a landscape while accounting for the imperfect detection of the species. Participants will be introduced to the basic methods of analysis with worked examples and a strong emphasis on study design issues. Due to limited time there will be no software demonstrations or class exercises. While primarily aimed at the beginner and intermediate level, more experienced researchers will also benefit from attending.

Darryl is also offering in-person workshops you may be interested in.

Because of travel restrictions, we will need to conduct the short course over the web. You will be able to view PowerPoints and demonstrations on your computer screen. You can listen either using your computer speakers or by calling a phone bridge long distance. Power point presentations, lecture notes, background information, and recordings of the sessions will be posted on the web. If you use the telephone or have a headset or microphone, you can ask questions orally. Otherwise, you can type in your questions.

Certificates of participation are available to those who participate. US Department of the Interior employees can receive credit through DOI Learn.

Please register for the webinar at https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/895225144

You are encouraged to register, even if conflicts prevent you from participating in some or all of the sessions or if you are only interested in some sessions. You can participate in the sessions that you are interested in and that are at a convenient time. You can watch the recordings of other sessions at a more convenient time. Registering will allow us to provide you with updates and more information about the course. There is no charge. Some people on military bases have had a problem with this link. If you have a problem, please call Paul at 970-226-9482, and he will register you over the phone.

SCHEDULE

Files are available at ftp://ftpext.usgs.gov/pub/cr/co/fort.collins/Geissler/SpeciesOccurrence. We will update the PowerPoints and Handouts after each presentation. The FTP site will usually be updated before this web page. Recordings (.wmv) files for each session will be available a day after the presentation. Internet Explorer works well. Download them to your hard disk before opening them by right clicking and selecting “save link as”. Files on FTP server are not password protected. If asked, just leave the user name and password blank. The files are too large to e-mail. PowerPoints and handouts will be updated shortly before the presentations.
Hawaii Alaska Pacific Mountain Central Eastern UTC
8:30-10:30 10:30-12:30 11:30-1:30 12:30-2:30 1:30-3:30 2:30-4:30 18:30-20:30

• Darryl MacKenzie, Ph.D., Proteus Wildlife Research Consultants, Dunedin New Zealand, darryl@proteus.co.nz. Darryl is a young biometrician with a rapidly growing international reputation. His main area of expertise is in using occupancy models for monitoring and research.

• James Nichols, Ph.D, USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, jnichols@usgs.gov, 301-497-5660. Jim is is a wildlife biologist and senior scientist at the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center. His main interests are the dynamics and management of animal populations and communities.

ORGANIZER

• Paul Geissler, Ph.D., USGS Status and Trends of Biological Resources Program. Contact Paul if you have any questions or problems with the webinar.